Chapter 7

I sit in the ladies’ restroom on a soft, plush chaise lounge in the washing area. It’s the only place I could get to quickly that was private enough to bring myself back to inner calm. My head is all over the place. This is about more than just Jake. It’s everything. Since the morning after my mother left, I’ve held it all in. Her, my lack of ability to stay in control, the aching loneliness of Jake’s absence, and now seeing him, it’s all too much.

Maybe it’s time I faced reality and looked for another job. I was stupid to think I could work here, only floors away from him, acting like we don’t know each other anymore. I just can’t do it.

I can’t handle thinking I might see him whenever I leave this floor. There’s a chance we could run into one another anywhere in this building, and I’ve just proven I can’t deal with it.

Looking around at the contemporary furnishings, I sigh. My heart rate is calmer now, but I know I can’t keep living like this, and I hope to feel